Menoctoberish - a month of festivals

Having settled in Panchavati, Rama, his wife and brother are living a simple and fulfilling life. They hunt and gather their food and have very limited interaction with others. As is the cycle of things though, the idyll could not last...



NOTES;
Surpanakha is representative of lust; her name means 'sharp-nailed'.
Khara, one of her brothers, is a king; his name can mean 'to tax' or 'to take a toll'.
Dooshana is assistant to Khara; his name has multiple meanings, all related to dark behaviours, such as 'denigration', 'spoiling' and 'molestation'.
Rama overcomes the challenge presented by all these negatives. However, even the mighty and righteous can be tricked by their eyes and a desire to please their beloved.
Also, even in trying to be charitable, we can get it wrong (Sita) - we ought not to give if it puts ourselves or others at risk by stepping 'outside the "guide" line' or 'overstepping our mark'!

The tale of Jatayu is dealt with hurriedly here, but it is one of the most moving parts of the entire story. The bird is now recognised for posterity in a theme park dedicated over the ancient territory it is believed he fell.

The next instalment will be here on Monday, as we break for FFF and the weekend regulars!